Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exercise Training in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (OPPORTUNITY Study)

The OPPORTUNITY study is researching how exercise can help people living with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem. Many people with atrial fibrillation feel less fit, gain weight, and find their overall health and happiness suffer. Currently, exercise isn't a standard part of managing this condition. This study compares two types of exercise: steady, moderate exercise and shorter, more intense bursts of exercise. Researchers want to find out if one type of exercise is better at improving fitness and overall quality of life for adults with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. The aim is to see if these exercise programs can make a real difference in how people feel and function day-to-day.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation

Enrolment target

Start

01 Nov 2015

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2030

Atrial Fibrillation

What is this study about?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common kind of irregular heartbeat. It can make people feel tired, out of breath, and generally unwell. It can also increase the risk of serious health problems like stroke. Because of this, it's really important to find good ways to help people manage their AF and live healthier, happier lives. Many people with AF also find that they struggle with exercise, put on weight, and feel their general health isn't as good as it used to be. Surprisingly, regular exercise isn't currently a standard part of treating AF, even though it's known to help people with other heart conditions.

This study, called the OPPORTUNITY Study, aims to investigate whether specific exercise programs can improve things for people with AF. It's comparing two main types of exercise: one is called 'moderate-intensity continuous exercise training,' which is like a steady jog or brisk walk. The other is 'high-intensity interval training,' which involves short bursts of hard exercise followed by brief rest periods. We already know that this type of interval training has helped people with other heart problems, like those who've had a heart attack or have heart failure.

The main goals are to see how these different exercise programs impact your fitness levels (how much you can exercise without getting too tired) and your overall quality of life (how happy and well you feel day-to-day). The researchers believe that high-intensity interval training might be more effective, more fun, and easier to stick with for people who have ongoing AF. By finding out which type of exercise works best, this study could help improve the care and well-being of many people living with AF.

Key takeaways

The study explores exercise as a way to improve fitness and life quality for people with irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation).
It compares steady, moderate exercise with shorter, more intense interval training.
Currently, exercise isn't a standard treatment for atrial fibrillation, despite its potential benefits.
Participants must have persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation and be at least 40 years old.
The main goals are to see how exercise affects fitness and daily well-being.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be at least 40 years old and have been diagnosed with ongoing (persistent or permanent) atrial fibrillation. Your heart rate would need to be controlled, usually at 110 beats per minute or less when you're resting. You also need to be well enough to safely do an exercise test.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're already exercising regularly more than twice a week, this study wouldn't be suitable. You also wouldn't be able to take part if you have certain other serious health issues, such as chest pain that isn't stable (unstable angina), diabetes that isn't under control, certain severe heart valve problems, or a specific heart muscle condition called hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Most importantly, you need to be able to understand what the study involves and agree in writing to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you at least 40 years old?
Do you have ongoing (persistent or permanent) atrial fibrillation?
Is your heart rate generally controlled, around 110 beats per minute or less when resting?
Are you able to do some exercise safely?
Are you not currently exercising regularly more than twice a week?
Do you not have certain severe heart conditions or uncontrolled diabetes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would be asked to follow a specific exercise program. You would be assigned to either a program of moderate, steady exercise or one with short bursts of intense exercise. Researchers would assess your fitness and how you feel about your quality of life both before you start and after completing the program to see any changes. The study will involve regular check-ins and supervised exercise sessions. The exact number of visits, duration of the exercise program, and how long you would be followed after the exercise program finishes aren't detailed here but would be fully explained before you agree to take part.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you potential benefits, such as improved fitness levels and a better quality of life through structured exercise. While exercise is generally safe, there's always a small risk of injuries or discomfort. The study would be carefully monitored by medical professionals to ensure your safety. You would be fully informed of all known risks before you decide to join, and you are always free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Ottawa Heart Insititue
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada

Common questions

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is when your heart beats with an irregular rhythm, which is the most common type of irregular heartbeat. It can make you feel tired or breathless.

What's the difference between the two exercise types?

One type is like a steady, brisk walk or jog (moderate-intensity continuous), and the other involves short bursts of hard effort followed by brief rest (high-intensity interval).

Will I have to pay to participate?

No, you should not have to pay to take part in a clinical trial. All study-related care and interventions are typically provided free of charge.

Will my regular doctor still look after me?

Yes, your usual medical care from your own doctor will continue as normal. This study is in addition to your current care.

How long will the study last if I join?

The summary doesn't state the exact duration, but all details, including the length of the study commitment, would be explained to you before you agree to participate.